An Independence woman has been formally charged with a felony and numerous misdemeanors for allegedly being intoxicated and causing a traffic accident earlier this year in Saline County.
A probable-cause statement say Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers responded to a traffic crash on westbound I-70 near the 63 mile marker on August 25. Troopers spoke with 20-year-old Ruth Crichton who was noticed to intoxicated and was apprehended. Troopers reportedly were at Crichton’s vehicle when she escaped the patrol car and ran through traffic on I-70. The Troopers reportedly chased Crichton as vehicles almost hit them on the roadway, and Crichton was recaptured in the median.
After the incident, Crichton reportedly was found to have a suspended license and provided the troopers with a driver’s license which belonged to her twin sister.
Online court documents say Crichton has been charged with a Class E Felony for First-Degree Property Damage and six misdemeanors which included a DWI, attempted escape and presenting another person’s license. Bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety with conditions.
Crichton’s initial hearing is pending at Saline County Circuit Court.